Download Example 2 - UMKC Research

Paquette–Caruso Research Group
Condensed Matter Physics of Unusual Materials
Projects
Interests
Our research program focuses on understanding and harnessing the unique
properties of amorphous hydrogenated boron carbide, which include low density,
extreme hardness, extreme chemical and thermal stability, radiation hardness, high
neutron capture cross section, and many useful optical/electrical properties.
Solid-State Neutron Detection
Optimizing Charge Transport in a Semi-Insulating Amorphous Solid
Solid-state neutron detection takes advantage of the
charge that is ultimately produced during a neutron
capture event, which can be extracted and detected in
an external circuit. The 10B isotope interacts more
strongly with neutrons than do most other elements,
and an all-boron-carbide neutron detector can in
principle yield much higher detection efficiencies than
existing detectors. This can only be realized in practice,
however, if the charge transport properties of this solid
can be suitably optimized.
Low-k Dielectric Layers
Can boron replace silicon in next-generation interconnect systems?
One of the grand challenges facing the semiconductor
industry is finding low-dielectric-constant (low-k) materials
to replace SiO2 and related solids as an insulator in the
copper-based interconnect system in integrated circuits. We
are investigating whether amorphous hydrogenated boron
carbide can meet not only the low-k requirements, but also
the stringent mechanical, chemical, and electrical
requirements for integration.
Understanding Atomic Structure
Probing Nanoscale Structure to Understand and Predict Macroscale Properties
Determining the atomic structure of complex disordered
materials is a nontrivial but critical step in being able to
develop a predictive approach to materials design for
twenty-first century technology needs. In collaboration
with Prof. Paul Rulis (Physics) and Prof. Nathan Oyler
(Chemistry), we are working to develop models for the
local physical structure of amorphous hydrogenated
boron carbide through simulation and experiment, as
well as to develop new methods for treating the broader
class of complex disordered materials in general.
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Relationship between atomic structure,
electronic structure, and optical/electrical
properties of complex materials
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Charge transport mechanisms in
disordered solids
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Advanced charge transport
characterization techniques
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Development of new unique materials and
devices for next-generation technologies
Facilities and Capabilities
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Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Magnetron sputtering
Device fabrication
Photoemission spectroscopy
Electrical/optical measurements
 Current–voltage
 Capacitance–voltage
 Photoconductivity
 Hall
 Transient space-charge-limited-current
 Impedance spectroscopy
 Spectroscopic ellipsometry